ESB’s Smart Energy Services (ESB) has delivered an integrated battery and grid platform solution for Ardagh Group to transform how energy is managed at its glass packaging plant in Irvine, Scotland. The Irvine plant requires large amounts of energy to support the manufacture of glass containers in a continuous process, 365 days a year.
Designed to efficiently store energy during periods of lower demand
The solution is a combination of two parts: firstly, the Tesla battery is designed to efficiently store energy during periods of lower demand at the plant and to support demand during intermittent power failures. This means that Ardagh Group benefits from a secure, resilient and reliable supply of green energy, helping to support its sustainability agenda.
The second part of the solution is a grid-optimising platform delivered by ESB’s partner, GridBeyond, enabling Ardagh Group to participate in the National Grid’s Firm Frequency Response service. In practice, the battery reduces the plant’s reliance on the grid and when excess energy stored by the battery is not required, it can be delivered back to the National Grid. This battery storage project is a UK-first in the manufacturing industry.
Sustainable manufacturing processes
Annelene Fisser, group CSR and sustainability manager, Ardagh Group, said: “We are committed to environmental responsibility and sustainable manufacturing processes and had been exploring battery storage solutions to help us effectively meet these commitments. When ESB approached us with its battery storage offering, we felt confident that this would provide the efficient and cost effective solution we were looking for, which it has now successfully delivered.”
Paul Mulvaney, executive director, ESB Innovation, said: “We are delighted to partner with Ardagh Group to deliver one of the first battery storage solutions that benefits the customer with increased resilience as well as helping to balance the grid during peak periods. We have a portfolio of energy services and will continue to work with Ardagh Group on other opportunities.”
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